2022 has not only been a remarkable year for broadband investments, but it marks a new beginning for government, nonprofit, and philanthropic partners working together to provide resources and support for the local leaders who are charged with developing transformative broadband plans. 

Bloomberg Philanthropies is one of the countless foundations nationwide that have made supporting universal broadband plans a shortlist priority. This year, it launched a Local Infrastructure Hub, a national program designed to ensure that cities and towns across the U.S. can access Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding to drive local recovery, improve communities, and deliver results for residents.

On August 17, 2022, Bloomberg Philanthropies hosted a webinar for over 200 hundred attendees which included mayors, local government, county, and state officials from 213 cities. Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies and 108th mayor of New York City; Eric Schmidt, Co-Founder of Schmidt Futures and Former Chairman & CEO, Google; Andy Berke, Special Advisor for Broadband, National Telecommunications and Information Administration; and Francella Ochillo, Executive Director of Next Century Cities, presented on how federal investments could propel universal broadband access and advance digital equity goals. Ochillo’s remarks focused on five strategies for communities working to improve broadband access. 

Local and state government officials can find examples of best practices, technical support, funding programs, and more on the National Broadband Resource Hub, a comprehensive resource for developing long-term broadband programs.